Metoprolol : Interaction with Foods, Herbs, Alcohol and Caffeine

Last Updated on Jun 08, 2023

Are you taking Metoprolol? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Metoprolol with certain foods, herbs or alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.

Metoprolol Interactions with Food and Herbs

Potassium Rich Foods: Metoprolol is a beta blocker which increases the potassium level in the blood. Potassium-rich foods like meat, milk, bananas and sweet potatoes when taken with beta blockers can result in high blood potassium levels.

Pleurisy Root: Cardiac glycosides present in the pleurisy root may interfere with the effect of metoprolol.

Other Herbs: Kava-Kava, valerian, ginseng, goldenseal, licorice, saw palmetto, hawthorn, ma huang and yohimbe may interact with metoprolol. If you take metoprolol, you should avoid taking these herbs.

Metoprolol Interactions with Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking metoprolol is dangerous to the health. This combination can lead to increased drowsiness, dizziness or fainting, lightheadedness and blurred vision. It may increase the risk of accidental injury.

Metoprolol Interactions with Caffeine

Caffeine has the ability to decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs like metoprolol. It is therefore better to avoid the intake of caffeine-containing foods and beverages while taking metoprolol.

When and How to Take Metoprolol

Metoprolol is available in the form of a tablet and an extended-release tablet. You can take the tablet 2-3 times in a day and the extended-release tablet once in a day with or immediately after a meal. Remember to take the medicine around the same time every day and stick to the recommended dose. Don't stop the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor. If you stop suddenly, it can cause some unwanted side effects like chest pain and irregular heartbeat. Metoprolol is also available as an intravenous injection.

Drug Name : Metoprolol

Metoprolol is a beta-blocker, prescribed for high blood pressure either alone or with other medications. It is also used for chest pain, migraine and hyperthyroidism.

We recommend consulting your doctor to verify the information presented on this page or if you need any further clarifications.

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